793.94/6187: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 18—4:35 a.m.]
336. Last evening United Press correspondent informed me that Nakayama in charge Japanese Legation visited him and suggested possibility some foreign military officer arrange meeting between the Japanese and Chinese military to afford opportunity for agreement to armistice. His idea was that negotiations should not be conducted in the presence of foreigners and that terms would be that Chinese remain south of motor road connecting Peiping with Shanhaikwan, Japanese to retire to the Wall.
I consider that for anyone at this time to suggest such a proposal to the Chinese would merely court a rebuff and if it became publicly known would subject nationality concerned to undeserved criticism in China and I propose to be guided accordingly should such suggestion be made to me.